Horton Plains National Park

Horton Plains National Park is a protected area in the central highlands in Sri Lanka as UNESCO world Heritage Site. It’s covered by mountains grassland and cloud forest. Horton Plains altitude is 1,800–2,389 meters. The park is about 3,160 hectares of mountains grassland fringed and interspersed with patches of dense mountain cloud forests. Also Kirigalpotta (2,389m) and Thotupalakanda (2,357m) being the second and third highest mountains in the country respectively are situated within this park. This is also the highest plateau of the country, being above 5,000 feet, and the western slopes of the park support the most extensive area of mountain cloud forests surviving in the country. The park comes under the purview of the Department of Wildlife Conservation and a permit is required to enter the park. There are motor able roads as well as footpaths to different locations. And located on Nuwaraeliya District, Central Province.32 Kilometers South of Nuwaraeliya.The mean annual temperature is 13 °C but the temperature varies considerably during the course of a day, reaching as high as 27 °C during the day time, and dipping as low as 5 °C at night. Horton plains are rich in biodiversity and many species are endemic to the region. This region was designated a national park in 1988. Also it’s a popular tourist destination.

Horton the plains’ vegetation is grasslands interspersed with mountain forest, and includes many endemic woody plants. Horton Plain Is the Only National Park that based in the hill country. it is the best escapade for nature and adventure Lovers.Buautiful grassy land provides stay to many wild animals, Large herds of Sri Lankan sambar deer feature as typical mammals,(Leopard/Wild Boar/Black Napped Hare/Fishing Cat/Ring Tailed Civet/Golden Palm Civet/Mongoose/Purple Faced Leaf Monkey) Fishes, Amphibians and Reptiles. Also an Important Birds Area with many species. Not only endemic to Sri Lanka But restricted to the Horton Plains.

From Here begin the foot paths and all the travelers enjoy their travel by visiting to Bakers Falls, Big Worlds End Drop (884 Meters) and Small Worlds End Drop (274 Meters).also misty surrounding makes it so real .It’s  a circular Loop of 7 kilometers can walked comfortably in half a day.

If you are visiting to Horton Plains, you should visit early in the morning because of after 11.00 am probably foggy/misty. If you are really interesting to do Hiking and trekking in hear another foot path is their Named Kirigalpoththa Mountain (The 2nd Highest Peak of Sri Lanka), 14 kilometers up and Down Trek and its 2,389 Meters Altitude.

Flora -774 Flowering Plants, 112 endemic and 78 identified as endangered,50 different grasses most of which endemic to the island.

Fauna-460 Birds,33 endamic,100 confined to Horton Plains,10 types of Mammals, some reptiles, amphibians and butterflies.